Khopra Ridge Trek

Trip Duration: 12 days

from USD 930 Per Person

Highest Altitude: 3660m

Group Size:1-12 persons

Difficulty:Moderate

Accommodation:3 star categories hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara and Local guest house during trek

Overview

Khopra Ridge trek is also known as Khopra Danda trek and it is nestled on the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek is an off the beaten trekking in Nepal and very recently it is gaining its popularity as one of the beautiful destinations. The trek climbs all the way to a ridge of Khopra, which is on one of the flanks of Annapurna south. Furthermore, you can venture to Khayar Lake on the higher grounds to get better views of the surroundings.

The elevation of Khopra ridge Khayar trek does not surpass the elevation of 3600 meters on a regular note. Only if you opt to visit Khayar lake, the elevation reaches to 4700 meters but however you will return back to the base at the end of the day. Hence, there are very few chances of you falling sick to the elevation. Another surprising fact about this trek is that this place, Khopra ridge, is a view point for many community based treks that runs in the region.

No matter whatever the route, Khopra ridge trek primarily embarks on lush green forest of Rhododendron. The forest intermingles with villages inhabited by indigenous Gurung people. Compared to that of other famed routes in Annapurna, the villages are very small and sparse but remain unsoiled by the tourism. The tin roofed and stone slated houses, the traditional attire, stone stairs and several other aspect make these villages along the trail of Khopra unique. Once out of the forest you will mostly traverse on the ridges which offer splendid views of the mountains in the Annapurna. It is often debated that Khopra offers one of the most closest views of the mountains in that range and it is very true because at times you will feel like the mountains is in a stone throw distance.

Nevertheless, Khopra ridge trek is growing big in terms of popularity but despite the fact, there is still handful of teahouses only. Hence, this trek as well provides ample opportunity to do camping trek. You can as well adjoin this trek with other treks existing in the region. This trek alone is a fantastic trek and can keep you entertained for as short as a week and as much as 2 weeks. Join this off the beaten trek today!

Detail Itinerary

Thank you for choosing Khopra Ridge trek as your next adventure destination! On this day you arrive to Kathmandu and we transfer you to your accommodation. You rest and rejuvenate for days to come. You can as well explore the surrounding and get to know a little about the country and culture.

You will meet your trek leader on this day and he would brief you about trekking in Nepal and your chosen destination. Meanwhile, the back office staff will prepare all required permits for your trekking. later in the day, you will do the last minute shopping for your trekking along with your guide. While our back office staff get ready preparing permits from the government offices, our guides help you get acquainted with the country by taking you to the most happening market in Kathmandu.

On this day we have our breakfast by 6:00 a.m. in the morning and head towards tourist Bus Park at Thamel and board a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus ride will take around 7 hours through curvy roads of hilly terrain with couple of breaks in between for snacks and lunch. The drive to Pokhara on one of the major highways is exhilarating with beautiful views of never leaving tributaries, lush green hills and roadside settlements.

The day kick starts by hopping on a vehicle and being Kimche bound. The bus ride takes around two and half hours, where as a private vehicle would take half hour less. The bus ride till Nayapul is on Pokhara Baglung highway, whereas after Nayapul the road becomes off road. Once we reach Kimche we get on foot and our Khopra ridge trek officially begins. Our first destination Ghandruk takes around 1 and half hours on foot. The view of Machhapuchhre from Ghandruk is a stunner. Another hour or so of walk through sparse trees and gradual incline and we reach the destination of the day, Tadapani. Overnight in Tadapani.

As soon as we set out for Dobato from Tadapani, we encounter a dense forest of Rhododendron. The initial trail is a combination of flat and steep gradient but mostly uphill walk. In around 2 hours we reach a small settlement of Meshar and from here the trail gets broader but more steeper at times. The forest becomes more dense and even more beautiful. Walking around 1 and half hours we reach another small settlement of Isharu. From here the forest of Rhododendron is accompanied by Bamboo as well as pine and the trail becomes a little narrow as well as grassy. The final section of the trek as well is uphill alike almost every part of the trail on this day. We walk for around 7 hours with multiple breaks in it and call it a day in Dobato.

The day’s walk is easier than the days earlier. At first we walk uphill on steep grassy trails traversing through the forest. The trail gets much flatter and the walk gets much easier once the forest opens up to a ridge with beautiful views of the mountains. After crossing the first ridge we further climb uphill until another ridge and then we finally arrive Bayeli. In about 3 to 3 and half hours we reach final destination of the day. Overnight in Bayeli.

We will begin the day by gently descending from Bayeli. After a short descend the trail climbs up through the Rhododendron forest. The forest opens up to 3 yak pasture land and in between the trail is a mix of flat and steep ascent. Further after the last yak pasture the trail is accompanied by the bamboo scrubs and Rhododendron bushes. The trail becomes grassier and the view becomes more beautiful and undisturbed. We walk for around 6 hours on this day and out of that around 4 and half hours of walking uphill. We spend overnight in Khopra Danda.

It takes around 7 hours of downhill walk to reach Narchyang, at an easy pace. Majority of today’s walk is downhill. At the beginning we walk on grassy turf surrounded by yak pastures. Further down the trail we enter the forest of Rhododendron and pine, with the views of Dhaulagiri and other mountains on the backstage. Further down the trail, mountain scenery is replaced by terrace farms, lush green hills and beautifully crafted settlements. We walk on stone slated trails of Rele Kharka and past yak pasture to reach upper Narchyang. We call it a night at Narchyang.

This is the final day of Khopra ridge trek on foot and majority of today’s walk is gradual downhill. We walk through the lush green subtropical forest all the way to the banks of Kali Gandaki river until we reach Tatopani. We walk for almost 5 hours before we reach our destination of the day. The views of valleys and river is very beautiful but the view of the mountain is close to none on this day. We call it a day at Tatopani and enjoy the natural hot spring and revitalize our bones and muscles. Overnight at Tatopani.

We catch an early morning bus from Tatopani to Beni. It takes over an hour on a off road track to reach Beni. From Beni we make a transfer and take another bus all the way to Pokhara. It takes over 4 hours to reach Pokhara from Beni on the National highway. Overnight in pokhara.

The bus ride takes around 7 hours to Kathmandu. The bus traverses through beautiful lush green hills and views of mountains (only in season). Once we reach Kathmandu we transfer you to your accommodation and hence officially come to the end of Khopra Ridge trek.

A representative from Crown Earth Treks shall take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. You will bid farewell to the stupendous turn of affairs, filled with memories and wonderful stories to tell. Breakfast included.

Includes / Excludes

Whats included in this trip

Airport pick up and drop on private vehicle

Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the category of package trip taken on Bed & Breakfast basis.

3 meal (breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in local restaurants during the trekking trail.

Accommodation in best available guesthouses (Tea House) on trekking trail.

Entry fees and English speaking tour guide for city sightseeing.

An English speaking license holder trekking guide for the trekking with necessary porters.

National park fees, Govt. taxes and other applicable fees.

All meals,accommodation in teahouse,equipments,insurance etc for Nepalese staffs.

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Certificate.

Annapurna conservation Area Permit (ACCAP) Fee.

Certificate of Trek completion from Crown Earth Treks.

Whats not included in this trip

International Airfare.

Nepal Visa fee and airport departure tax.

Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.

Personal / Travel / Medical insurance and any other insurance for the members.